Cultural Awareness in the Anglophone World: “Brokeback Mountain” and the Cultural Shift in Anglophone Literature and Films

Cultural Awareness in the Anglophone World: “Brokeback Mountain” and the Cultural Shift in Anglophone Literature and Films Student: Yaiza González Ramos Supervisor: Marta Iravedra López Degree: English Studies Academic year: 2023-2024 Department: English and German Philology and Translation & Interpretation Acknowledgements First and foremost, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor Marta Iravedra López. Her excellent supervision, unconditional support and guidance have been essential for completing this dissertation. It has been an absolute honor and pleasure to have her as my director in the final phase of my academic journey. Thanks should also extend to my classmates, who have become my dearest friends. I am very grateful for your help and companionship in this long odyssey. Together, we have overcome challenges and celebrated our achievements, making these four years an unforgettable experience. I deeply appreciate my family and friends for their belief in me, which has been a constant source of motivation. I especially want to thank my mum, whose resilience has inspired me to persevere even in tough times. Finally, I want to express my most sincere gratitude to Aimar. His love, patience, and support are what have kept me strong during the most challenging times. He has been my driving force, and I dedicate this achievement to him. 1 Abstract “Brokeback Mountain” is widely recognized as a deeply influential gay narrative in popular culture due to its portrayal of a love story between two men. Annie Proulx originally published the groundbreaking short story in 1997, which was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film by director Ang Lee in 2005. The narrative follows Ennis and Jack, two cowboys who fall in love in a time when homosexuality was widely stigmatized in America. This dissertation explores the profound cultural impact of “Brokeback Mountain” within the Anglophone world by examining its social significance and how it challenges traditional notions of romantic relationships, masculinity, and the cowboy archetype. This investigation is critical for understanding the broader cultural shifts in society, particularly those related to often marginalized groups such as the LGBT+ community. Despite extensive discourse on queer representation in literature and films, there is a gap in examining how “Brokeback Mountain” specifically encouraged societal changes and how it contributed to the breaking of cultural norms. After having set the cultural background and the narrative’s themes and characters, this research aims to demonstrate the influence of “Brokeback Mountain”. This will be accomplished by analyzing its deconstruction of stereotypes, as well as by weighting its cultural impact, which stems from its varied receptions. Findings demonstrate how “Brokeback Mountain” has made a big cultural impact by fostering greater acceptance and visibility of LGBT+ relationships and by also redefining traditional masculinity and the cowboy image. In addition, the narrative not only opens doors for a more diverse and inclusive storytelling but also sparks conversations about the complexities of human relationships and identity. These findings highlight the significant role of “Brokeback Mountain” in deconstructing traditional gender roles and relationship norms, contributing valuable insights to the fields of culture, literature and films, with the ultimate goal of building a more accepting society. Keywords: “Brokeback Mountain”, LGBT+, cultural impact, relationships, masculinity, cowboys. 2 Table of Contents 1. Introduction...........................................................................................................................4 2. Cultural Background............................................................................................................5 2.1. Societal Attitudes Towards LGBT+ Issues....................................................................5 2.2. Previous LGBT+ Representation in Literature and Films............................................. 7 3. “Brokeback Mountain”, The Story..................................................................................... 9 3.1. Summary........................................................................................................................ 9 3.2. Key Themes and Motifs.................................................................................................9 3.3. Character Analysis....................................................................................................... 11 3.3.1. Ennis del Mar......................................................................................................12 3.3.2. Jack Twist............................................................................................................13 4. Breaking Cultural Norms: Masculinity, Cowboys and Relationships........................... 14 4.1. Deconstruction of Masculinity.....................................................................................14 4.2. Breaking Cowboy Stereotypes.....................................................................................17 4.3. Sexuality and Romantic Relationships........................................................................ 18 5. Cultural Impact of “Brokeback Mountain”.....................................................................20 5.1. Praise and Recognition.................................................................................................20 5.2. Controversies and Criticism.........................................................................................21 5.3. Measuring the Cultural Impact.................................................................................... 22 6. Conclusions..........................................................................................................................24 Works Cited.............................................................................................................................26 3 1. Introduction When asked about an influential gay narrative, most people will say “Brokeback Mountain” without hesitating. This is due to the undeniable cultural impact this story has shown to have, which stems from its representation of a love story between two men. The original short story, published by Annie Proulx in 1997, and later adapted to cinema by director Ang Lee in 2005, tells the story of Ennis and Jack, two cowboys who fall in love in a time when being gay was unacceptable. By exploring a homosexual relationship, by going beyond traditional notions of masculinity and cowboys, and by ultimately representing the LGBT+ community, “Brokeback Mountain” is still and will continue to be a culturally meaningful masterpiece. When introduced to my dissertation topic “Cultural Awareness in the Anglophone World”, I was determined to select a topic that would both represent and help people in a powerful way. It had been a few years since I had seen Brokeback Mountain (2005) for the first time, but I still distinctly remembered the profound emotional impact it had on me. The tragic tale of Ennis and Jack, a reality faced by many in society, seemed a suitable topic for my dissertation. By choosing “Brokeback Mountain” I could explore its impact on society and also give a voice to the queer community. This paper aims at analyzing the cultural impact “Brokeback Mountain” has had on society, as well as at shedding light into its deconstruction of traditional notions of romantic relationships, masculinity and cowboys. To fully understand the impact of “Brokeback Mountain”, it is essential to first understand the societal context in which the story and the film were released, as well as the literary and cinematic landscape that preceded them. The cultural background will provide a foundation for exploring the story on “Brokeback Mountain”. The narrative, which deals with themes such as forbidden love, masculinity and homophobia, presents the love story between the cowboys Ennis and Jack, characters that will be analyzed in detail. Once the story is set, the focus will shift to how “Brokeback Mountain” challenges cultural norms. This analysis will delve into the deconstruction of masculinity, the subversion of cowboy stereotypes, and the departure from traditional notions of sexuality and romantic relationships. Lastly, by examining the diverse reactions the narrative received, it will become evident that “Brokeback Mountain” truly made a significant impact on society. 4 2. Cultural Background The most appropriate way to begin is by shaping both the society of the time in which the story was released and the contributions to queer literature and cinema prior to its coming out. Having a cultural context will later help us to better understand the cultural impact the works have had. Nevertheless, before moving on to the cultural background, the definition of two terms that will repeatedly be used throughout the paper will be provided. The first one is “LGBT+”, described as the “abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other identities: relating to or characteristic of people whose sexual orientation is not heterosexual” by the Cambridge Dictionary (“LGBT+”). The latter is “queer”, defined as “having or relating to a gender identity or a sexuality that does not fit society's traditional ideas about gender or sexuality” (“Queer”). Given their similar connotations, both will be used interchangeably. 2.1. Societal Attitudes Towards LGBT+ Issues In 1997, when the story was first published, societal attitudes towards the queer community were undergoing certain transformation in the USA. To understand the context in which Proulx’s “Brokeback Mountain” was born, Brewer’s study on “The Shifting Foundations of Public Opinion about Gay Rights” will be helpful. His work suggests that during the 1990s, there were notable changes in Americans’ inclinations, including attitudes toward equality and moral traditionalism. While some individuals opened their minds to more accepting views, others maintained traditional perspectives (Brewer). Notwithstanding, these shifts significantly influenced the formation of public opinion on issues related to the queer community. Accordingly, the late 1990s witnessed increased awareness and discussions surrounding LGBT+ rights (Brewer). In Brewer’s words, the opening of minds and the acceptance of more liberal attitudes towards queer people was caused by changing societal dynamics and evolving cultural norms. According to the author, factors such as exposure to diverse perspectives, activism, and media representation likely played a role in shaping more accepting opinions. In contrast, those who maintained traditional views might have been influenced by factors such as religious beliefs, conservative social values, and resistance to change (Brewer). In essence, Brewer’s work reveals that the 1990’s were a period of change, with some embracing acceptance and others stuck to traditional views. These changes played a crucial 5 role in increasing awareness and discussions surrounding LGBT+ rights by the time when “Brokeback Mountain” was published. The 2000s, the period when the film was released, came with more legal and policy changes favoring the LGBT+ community. The study by Tina Fetner titled “U.S. Attitudes Toward Lesbian and Gay People are Better than Ever” explores how the changing perceptions of the queer community in the United States, particularly during the 2000s, gave rise to a more tolerant and accepting society. Fetner points out some legal advancements such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in various states and the Supreme Court decision to support marriage equality, declaring that “in a country that has been reticent to guarantee equal rights to lesbian and gay people, this marks an important step forward in the slow, hard-fought battle for full citizenship” (21). Moreover, Fetner uses a poll originally from GALLUP to illustrate how societal attitudes towards LGBT+ matters underwent a positive transformation during the 2000s, with an increase in the approval of homosexual relationships (see fig. 1). Fig. 1. Poll data on same-sex marriages; GALLUP, http://www.gallup.com/poll/1651/Gay-Lesbian-Rights.aspx. The researcher also highlights the influence of personal connections when forming positive attitudes towards queer people. Indeed, people who have personal relationships with LGBT+ people, whether in family, work, or friendship, tend to be more open about these issues than those who do not (Fetner). In short, the 2000s saw a significant transformation in Americans’ attitudes towards queer people, preceded by the progress already achieved in the late 1990s (Fetner). Although negative attitudes did not disappear, the fact that the new century came with more acceptance and openness surely meant that the arrival of Ang Lee’s film was not so critically received. 6 2.2. Previous LGBT+ Representation in Literature and Films Julie Beaulieu’s chapter on “LGBT Literature” helps create a theoretical framework on the evolution of LGBT+ literature, since she analyzes its depiction from ancient times until the end of the 20th century, when Proulx’s “Brokeback Mountain” was published. Beaulieu begins by placing Sappho “among the earliest icons of LGBT literature” (305), further commenting on the ongoing debates surrounding her sexual identity.1The author then delves into the broader historical contexts of homosexuality in ancient Greece and Rome, highlighting the tendency in literature to censure lesbian existence. Furthermore, she discusses the historical transformations of Platonic love and same-sex desire in Renaissance literature. Ultimately, “LGBT Literature” places the historical context as key when shaping perceptions of sexual identity, emphasizing the complex relationship between literature, sexuality, and cultural norms. Moving on to the twentieth century, Beaulieu affirms how “the intellectual and political project of countering the dominant narratives of hetero‐hegemonic culture” became “one of the hallmarks of the twentieth century LGBT movement” (308). Despite the prevailing societal taboos and restrictions, writers sought to give a voice to the experiences and struggles of individuals whose identities and desires deviated from the normative expectations of the period (Beaulieu). The author continues by labeling Oscar Wilde as one of the most “infamous of LGBT writers to influence twentieth‐century thinking on sexuality” (309), describing his work as a showcase of “a striking and iconic encounter” between “the queer artist and the critique of society” (309).2 As the twentieth century unfolded, queer literature progressed on the account of the shifting socio-political landscape (Beaulieu). The mid-twentieth century was characterized by pulp fictions,3which were seen as “a historically specific example of how time and location shape the representation of LGBT lives in literature” (312). Furthermore, this period “brought a new spirit of sexual revolution in US LGBT literature” (312), paving the way for greater visibility and acceptance within the literary discourse. Eventually, the 1980s and 1990s saw the emergence of literature grappling with the impact of the AIDS crisis, further underscoring the complexities suffered by the queer community (Beaulieu). 3Pulp fictions are “books about imaginary characters and events produced in large quantities and intended to be read by many people but not considered to be of very good quality” (“Pulp Fiction”). 2For further information on Oscar Wilde see Bartlett, Who Was That Man? A Present for Mr Oscar Wilde. 1For further information on Sappho see Hallet, Sappho and Her Social Context: Sense and Sensuality. 7 Shifting from literature to film, Rudy Rudy’s “The Depiction of Homosexuality in American Movies” will be used as a theoretical background, since it focuses on American gay-themed films. In its early depictions, gay characters were often portrayed according to stereotypes, with humor and ridicule (Rudy). As a fact, Benshoff and Griffin point out how “by the 1920s, a stereotypical image of male homosexuality was prevalent both in the cinema and in real life: the pansy” (as quoted in Rudy 62).4The author goes on to say that gay themes and characters were present in cinema but often marginalized, reflecting the societal attitudes towards homosexuality of the period. However, as societal attitudes towards queer people evolved, so did the depiction of gay individuals in films (Rudy). According to the author, a more realistic portrayal in which the characters declared their sexual identities arose, partly due to the fact that “there are also people who definitely support gay rights” (63). Having a more accepting environment meant that films such as Philadelphia (1993), which “is a reflection of how gay people live in the society and the obstructions they have to face” (63) arose, leading to more realistic stories and leaving stereotypes aside. Further to this, a notable development was the representation of gay characters with more masculine traits in films (Rudy). This was seen as “a shift from the conventional perception of homosexuality to a modern picture of gay men” (64), turning masculine gays “the central of attraction in many gay movies” (64). The author goes on to give examples of films in which the gay characters are masculine, among which Brokeback Mountain (2005) is included. Considering the cultural context in which the short story “Brokeback Mountain” and its cinematic adaptation were introduced, there might be an inclination to speculate that the reception of these was, on the whole, positive. However, it is too early to make final judgments, so a more thorough examination of how it was received by audiences will be done subsequently. 4“Pansy was a term used colloquially to describe a certain type of queer mana flowery, fussy, effeminate soul given to limp wrists and mincing steps” (Rudy 62). 8 involves the division and social valuation of masculinity and femininity” (as quoted in Blackstone 225). In other words, gender is a social construction shaped by human interactions, although it is strongly influenced by biological differences between males and females (Blackstone). In conclusion, gender roles “are the roles that men and women are expected to occupy based on their sex” (336). Moving on to traditional gender stereotypes, the distinction Allan and Kinney make between masculine and feminine attributes will be of use (see table 1). This contrast, which is based on Sandra Lipsitz Bem’s sex-role inventory, determines how “whatever traits are understood to characterize the feminine, also connote the antithesis of masculine and vice versa” (103). In simpler terms, masculinity and femininity are supposed to be polar opposites in the gender continuum, with “masculinity” being depicted as strong, logical and brave while “femininity” is portrayed as gentle, emotional and fragile (Allan and Kinney). Table 1. Traditional attributes of Femininity and Masculinity. Source: Allan, Elizabeth J., and Morgan B Kinney. “Hazing and Gender.” Hazing: Destroying Young Lives, edited by Hank Nuwer, Indiana UP, 2018, pp. 100–15. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt20d87tz.13. Having exposed which the traits generally linked to manhood are, it is now time to show how “Brokeback Mountain” deconstructs masculinity. As mentioned in section 3.2., Ennis and Jack are characters who struggle between conforming to the traditional notions of masculinity and what they really feel. One of the stereotypes the protagonists deconstruct has to do with emotional vulnerability. According to Allan and Kinney, traditional masculinity is often associated with strength and emotional stoicism, while being weak and emotional are characteristics more commonly associated with femininity. Nevertheless, “Brokeback Mountain” portrays its male 15 characters as deeply emotional and vulnerable. Both Ennis and Jack struggle with their feelings for each other, grappling with shame, fear, and wandering in a society that expects them to conform to traditional gender roles. Considering the two protagonists, Ennis is the one who has more trouble acknowledging his emotions and expressing how he really feels, with Jack being more open and accepting of his reality. Another quality related to traditional masculinity is control, an attribute that both Ennis and Jack suffer from when they become embroiled in a homosexual relationship in which they do not know how to act. In short, both Jack and Ennis help in the deconstruction of masculinity within the emotional dimension, since they show that male characters can further be emotional and vulnerable. Table 1 also shows that men are expected to be the strong, brave, dominant gender. Notwithstanding, in “Brokeback Mountain”, these qualities do not stand out on the male protagonists. While Ennis and Jack work in physically demanding jobs as cowboys, the narrative does not worship traditional notions of physical strength and dominance as markers of masculinity. Instead, it focuses on the emotional complexity of their relationship and how social expectations and homophobia impact their lives. Ultimately, setting aside the strength and dominance of the male protagonists to focus on their emotions, the narrative works as another example of the deconstruction of masculinity. Regarding communication and intimacy, self-reluctance is another attribute typically associated with traditional masculinity (see table 1). Despite this, “Brokeback Mountain” highlights the importance of emotional intimacy and communication in relationships, challenging the stereotype that men should be emotionally distant and self-reliant. Although Ennis and Jack’s inability to openly express their feelings for each other leads to tragedy, the narrative underscores the consequences of toxic masculinity, which adds another layer to the breaking of traditional cultural norms related to manhood. Further to this, in “Maleness and Masculinity”, Mark Blechner points out how “One of the most common ways of defining masculinity is through sexual activity. In heterosexual American society, masculinity is defined sexually by heterosexual intercourse. Therefore, any sexual activity by men with other men is seen as a compromise of masculinity” (601). It is relevant to keep this in mind since Ennis and Jack are characters who have sex with each other and therefore move away from the social belief that masculinity is defined by heterosexual coition. 16 In conclusion, “Brokeback Mountain” effectively deconstructs traditional gender stereotypes by portraying Ennis and Jack as complex individuals who challenge social expectations. The narrative subverts the idea that strength, self-reluctance and dominance are essential qualities of masculinity by prioritizing the emotional depth of the protagonists’ relationship. In addition, the story deviates from the heterosexual intercourse ideal, showing a relationship between two men. Ultimately, “Brokeback Mountain” contributes to a more inclusive understanding of masculinity in contemporary society. 4.2. Breaking Cowboy Stereotypes “Brokeback Mountain” combines the deconstruction of traditional masculinity and the breaking of cowboy stereotypes as a critique of social norms and cultural expectations. The narrative challenges not only traditional notions of masculinity as seen above, but also prevailing stereotypes associated with cowboys. Before moving on to the breaking of cowboy stereotypes, it is useful to first determine what these individuals represent both socially and characteristically. In The Cowboy Hero: His Image in American History and Culture, William Savage asserts that cowboys are “popularly accepted by Americans as a symbol, indicative of his stature as myth” (3). What this suggests is that within American culture the cowboy is widely embraced and recognized. The author further explains how the cowboy “represents rugged individualism in beer commercials, unadorned masculinity in cigarette advertising, and ultimate heroism in fiction and film” (4). In short, a cowboy is a man full of self-reliance, stoicism, manhood and bravery (Savage). It is no coincidence that the same features of masculinity have been repeated when describing cowboys. As a fact, the latter and masculinity can be intertwined, since “among the stereotypes with which American popular culture abounds, the cowboy is the embodiment of masculinity” (95). This definition of cowboys does nothing but reinforce the gender roles previously mentioned. On top of that, Savage states how for masculinity, words such as “masculine”, “brave”, “undaunted”, “twofisted” and “courageous” are considered synonymous (95). Similarly, for femininity, words like “womanish”, “sissy”, “unvirile”, “tender”, “soft” and “namby-pamby” are used interchangeably (95). Overall, this contrast highlights how language shapes and perpetuates gender stereotypes. Savage concludes by implying that “to say that the cowboy is the embodiment of masculinity is to acknowledge simultaneously the inflationary rhetoric of imagery (as it applies to men) and the 17 subordinating rhetoric of imagery (as it applies to women)” (95). With this, one can conclude that since masculinity and cowboys go hand in hand, the same stereotypes that “Brokeback Mountain” deconstructs of the former are applicable to the latter. However, let us add a little bit more to the breaking of cowboy stereotypes. As seen at the beginning of this section, cowboys apart from masculine have been historically portrayed as heroic and rugged individuals. Nevertheless, “Brokeback Mountain” departs from said portrayals. The narrative presents Ennis and Jack as cowboys grappling with their identities and social expectations. Their struggle with internalized homophobia and the fear of being socially condemned are central to the story, which emphasizes the human weakness and vulnerability behind the cowboy archetype. What the narrative might try to demonstrate with this is that heroism is not just defined by physical strength or bravery, but also by the courage to accept one’s own truth and identity. Regarding rugged individualism, “Brokeback Mountain” challenges this notion by presenting moments of tenderness and intimacy between Ennis and Jack. Although the story starts with the protagonists working in the rugged wilderness, the setting then changes to a more domestic environment, subverting the idea that cowboys are defined solely by their connection to the land and their ability to endure harsh conditions. From this, it can be deduced that true strength lies not only in physical toughness but also in emotional resilience and the capacity to love. To sum up, in “Brokeback Mountain”, traditional stereotypes associated with cowboys are challenged, offering a more complex and human view of these characters. Through the relationship between Ennis and Jack, the narrative shows how cowboys are not simply heroic, rugged figures, but vulnerable individuals struggling with their identities and social expectations. Ultimately, “Brokeback Mountain” invites readers and viewers to question stereotypes and recognize the complexity and diversity within the cowboy identity. 4.3. Sexuality and Romantic Relationships To understand why the story breaks down stereotypes regarding sexuality and romantic relationships, it is important to remember how society treated homosexuals in the period when the narrative takes place. As seen in Ennis’ character analysis, one of his neighbors was killed merely for being gay, which clearly shows how society condemned 18 homosexuality in the 60s. This underscores the exclusion suffered by those who deviated from what was accepted by society in the period when the narrative is set. Bearing this in mind, “Brokeback Mountain” effectively deconstructs traditional notions of romantic relationships and sexuality through its portrayal of a homosexual relationship and the evolving emotional connection between Ennis and Jack. Both the short story and the film openly discuss the gay relationship between the two protagonists, with a raw and realistic depiction of sex scenes between them. The first sexual encounter between the two cowboys is very intense, showcasing not only their desires but also their confusion and fear about these feelings. The aforementioned is described as follows: Ennis (...) wanted none of it when Jack seized his left hand and brought it to his erect cock. Ennis jerked his hand away as though he’d touched fire, got to his knees, unbuckled his belt, shoved his pants down, hauled Jack onto all fours, and, with the help of the clear slick and a little spit, entered him (...) Ennis woke in red dawn with his pants around his knees, a top-grade headache, and Jack butted against him; without saying anything about it, both knew how it would go for the rest of the summer, sheep be damned (...) They never talked about the sex, let it happen, at first only in the tent at night, then in the full daylight with the hot sun striking down, and at evening in the fire glow, quick, rough, laughing and snorting, no lack of noises, but saying not a goddam word except once Ennis said, “I’m not no queer,” and Jack jumped in with “Me neither. A one-shot thing. Nobody’s business but ours. (Proulx) This sequence is crucial when dealing with the deconstruction of sexuality since it describes in detail the sexual act between two men. Similarly, the film is quite explicit when representing Ennis and Jack’s sexual encounters, displaying the desire they have for each other but also the fear they have of doing something that society forbids (see fig. 4). Fig. 4. “Jack and Ennis intimate”, Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain, 2005. 19 The story is not just a simple representation of sex between men, but also an exploration of their emotional intimacy. Jack and Ennis’ relationship, which expands over two decades, survives despite their personal struggles and the social constraints of their period. The way in which they try to balance their external lives with their love story does nothing but expose the impact society has on them and on their relationship. Moreover, the protagonists’ relationships with their wives and with each other are highly contrasting. Their marriages, carried forward because of social expectations, are marked by the lack of passion and intimacy that defines their relationship with each other. This disparity not only highlights the authenticity of Ennis and Jack’s feelings for each other, but also criticizes the social norms that force individuals to live a life far from the one they want to live. By combining the explicit portrayal of sex scenes with Enni and Jack’s deep emotional connection, “Brokeback Mountain” effectively deconstructs traditional stereotypes on romantic relationships and sexuality. By depicting a homosexual love story with complexity and sincerity, the narrative not only criticizes conservative social norms, but also challenges traditional views on relationships. 5. Cultural Impact of “Brokeback Mountain” This section attempts to analyze the cultural impact of “Brokeback Mountain” by considering both positive and negative reviews. Firstly, the narrative’s and film’s critical success and widespread acceptance will be explored. Secondly, the negative feedback and societal resistance the film faced, including censorship and bans will be examined. Finally, the positive and negative aspects will be combined to demonstrate the story’s significant impact on culture. 5.1. Praise and Recognition Starting off by the critical acclaim, Peter Bradshaw’s review in The Guardian serves as an example of the widespread recognition both the short story and the film of “Brokeback Mountain” received. Bradshaw praises Proulx’s narrative, which he describes as “already bearing the burdensome reputation of being the best short story ever to be published in The New Yorker magazine”. His review underlines the significant impact and contribution to American literature the short story has had. 20 Regarding the film, Bradshaw continues in a similar path. He praises the film for its “rich, spacious, passionate way of showing, not telling, feelings that dare not speak their name - and doing so with superb intelligence and magnificent candour”. This review underscores the film’s successful adaptation of the original narrative’s deep and emotional themes, gathering acclaim for its artistic expression and nuanced storytelling. Furthermore, Frank Rich’s review adds another layer to the acclaim of Brokeback Mountain. Writing for The New York Times, Rich contextualizes the film within a broader cultural framework. In his words, “Whether it proves a movie for the ages or as transient as ‘Love Story,’ it is a landmark in the troubled history of America’s relationship to homosexuality. It brings something different to the pop culture marketplace at just the pivotal moment to catch a wave”. With this review, Rich highlights the film’s impact on society and its power to shape public opinions about homosexuality and LGBT+ issues. In addition to receiving critical acclaim, the film adaptation of “Brokeback Mountain” did very well in the box office. As Box Office Mojo recounts, the film was a commercial success and grossed more than $178 million worldwide, far exceeding the initial budget of $14 million. The film’s box office performance further strengthened its status not only as a critical success but also as a financial triumph. The film received plenty of nominations and awards as well. IMDb details how the movie got up to 141 wins and 133 nominations, the most remarkable ones being the Oscars, the BAFTAs and the SAG Awards. At the 2006 Academy Awards, the film received eight nominations and won three Oscars, including Best Director for Ang Lee and Best Adapted Screenplay. Its success continued at the Golden Globe Awards, where the film earned seven nominations and four wins, including Best Motion Picture – Drama. The film also crushed the BAFTAs with nine nominations and four wins, further solidifying its success. Additionally, Brokeback Mountain received recognition at the SAG Awards. As a result of all the nominations and wins the film received, Brokeback Mountain became a cinematic masterpiece celebrated for its emotional storytelling and outstanding performances. 5.2. Controversies and Criticism Even though the film was highly acclaimed, negative reviews and attitudes surfaced amidst its recognition. Brokeback Mountain faced backlash and censorship in certain regions, reflecting social tensions and resistance against its controversial subject matter. 21 Regarding the negative responses it received, the film was mostly criticized for its challenging portrayal of taboo topics and its exploration of an LGBT+ relationship. In their study, Brenda Cooper and Edward Pease collect numerous reviews of the film, including one by Stephen Bennet, who expressed his discontent with Brokeback Mountain by uttering: “What a sad day in America when a movie that glorifies homosexuality, adultery, dangerous and deadly unprotected anal sex and deception is up for Best Picture of the Year” (250). This review implies strong disapproval and condemnation of the film for its portrayal of themes related to homosexuality, adultery, and risky sexual behavior. Apart from this, the film was also seen as a lack of respect to cowboys. In David Kupelian’s words, “Hollywood has now raped the Marlboro Man. It has taken a revered symbol of America—the cowboy—with all the powerful emotions and associations that are rooted deep down in the pioneering American soul, and grafted onto it a self-destructive lifestyle it wants to force down Americans’ throats” (as quoted in Cooper and Pease 250). This review suggests a feeling of cultural betrayal and anger towards Brokeback Mountain. Kupelian sees the film as a distortion of the conservative image of the cowboy, which is deeply rooted in American identity. By depicting cowboys in a homosexual relationship, he views the film as a threat to this traditional symbol. Continuing with the negative responses that the film received, Brokeback Mountain further dealt with censorship issues in various regions around the world, primarily in countries and areas with conservative ideologies. The film was banned in China because of its “sensitive topic” and because “conservative censors reject discussion of gay lifestyle on television and in the mainstream media” (“China Praises Lee Despite Mountain Ban”). Similarly, in the Bahamas, the Film Control Board “chose to ban it because it shows extreme homosexuality, nudity and profanity” (“Bahamas ‘Brokeback Mountain’ Ban Draws Ire”). The film also suffered restrictions in its own country. Larry Miller, a cinema owner in Sandy, canceled showings of the film because, in his words, “getting away from the traditional families, which I look at as the fundamental building block of our society, is a very dangerous thing” (“Utah Theater Owner Speaks Out on Canceling Brokeback Mountain”). 5.3. Measuring the Cultural Impact The varied receptions “Brokeback Mountain” received underscore its cultural impact. As a fact, both its acclaim and criticism serve to demonstrate how Ennis and Jack’s love story challenges cultural norms. The critical acclaim of “Brokeback Mountain” praises its portrayal 22 of a forbidden love and its emotional depth. The story’s positive reception and recognition in different award shows demonstrate that “Brokeback Mountain” can go beyond traditional narratives and have a profound emotional impact on audiences. Conversely, criticism and censorship of its film adaptation demonstrate the social boundaries it underwent. The negative reviews condemn the film for its portrayal of taboo topics such as homosexuality and adultery. Furthermore, the film’s censorship and bans in conservative regions showcase the cultural resistance it faced. These attitudes underline the story’s power to confront social norms and challenge prevailing attitudes toward LGBT+ issues. In essence, the positive and negative attitudes on “Brokeback Mountain” contribute to a broader dialogue on representation and social change. Having seen this, we could say that “Brokeback Mountain” sparked dialogues on LGBT+ rights, masculinity and cowboys, and romantic relationships beyond traditional norms, contributing to a broader social discourse on these issues. Its portrayal of a homosexual relationship between two cowboys seems to have challenged prevailing stereotypes and triggered conversations about LGBT+ representation. Furthermore, it is clear that the narrative prompted discussions about the cowboy archetype and traditional masculinity. As a fact, Ennis’ and Jack’s emotional depth and internal struggles defied conventional notions of masculinity and cowboys, challenging the idea that men cannot be vulnerable. By challenging social norms and sparking meaningful conversations, the narrative contributed to a broader social discourse on diversity and acceptance. Bringing it to the present day, “Brokeback Mountain” continues to maintain its legacy and influence in the contemporary world. Indeed, the film adaptation was added to the US National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2018, which celebrates influential films that have been “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” (Stroude). Further to this, Jacob Sarkisian places the story as the “go-to gay movie”, which emphasizes its enduring legacy as a seminal LGBT+ narrative. He also states how “since the release of Ang Lee’s movie, queer representation onscreen and behind the camera has increased substantially”, acknowledging the significant influence of the film on the increase of queer representation in the film industry. He finishes by saying that Brokeback Mountain will “always be a game-changing movie, and it will always be remembered as a movie that was, at the time, revolutionary and bold and powerful”. This quote perfectly summarizes the enduring significance of “Brokeback Mountain” as a groundbreaking LGBT+ story. 23 6. Conclusions This dissertation set out to analyze the cultural impact of “Brokeback Mountain” and to explore its deconstruction of traditional notions of romantic relationships, masculinity, and cowboys. In order to provide a societal framework, the cultural background has been the first thing to be defined. By analyzing the society of the time in which the story and the film were published, as well as by looking at the works prior to “Brokeback Mountain”, section 2 has been helpful in providing a cultural context. Section 3 has delved into the story itself, providing a nuanced exploration of its themes and protagonists. The key themes of forbidden love, homophobia, sexual identity, and masculinity have emerged as central to this dissertation. The character analyses of Ennis and Jack have further contextualized the fears and struggles of two men who wanted to live their love story in a time when that was not accepted. Going back to the purpose of this dissertation, sections 4 and 5 are the ones which have addressed the dissertation’s aims, by proving “Brokeback Mountain” as both a challenger of traditional stereotypes and also a culturally impactful work. Section 4, which has delved into the deconstruction of masculinity, cowboys, sexuality and relationships, has placed “Brokeback Mountain” as a groundbreaking work far removed from conservative conventions. Firstly, it has been demonstrated how men can be emotional and vulnerable, challenging the idea that men have to always be strong and brave. Secondly, Ennis and Jack have been moved away from the traditional cowboy archetype, since they are hardly depicted as rugged or heroic. Finally, the narrative has been a safe space to portray the sexual encounters and the relationship between two men. Ultimately, section 4 has achieved one of the aims of this dissertation, which was to show that “Brokeback Mountain” does indeed break cultural norms. Section 5 has been in charge of labeling “Brokeback Mountain” as socially significant. In fact, both its positive and negative reviews underline the story’s power to confront social norms and challenge prevailing traditional views on relationships, masculinity and cowboys. Its nominations and awards on the one hand and its censorship and bans on the other further demonstrate the cultural impact of “Brokeback Mountain”. Additionally, the story continues to be a groundbreaking work in the present day, reaffirming its enduring influence and legacy. In short, section 5 has demonstrated the cultural significance of “Brokeback Mountain”, which was another of the aims of this dissertation. 24